X-Message-Number: 16913
Date: Sat, 07 Jul 2001 17:54:08 +1000
From: Simon Carter <>
Subject: Re: Simulations: Laws of Physics (#16769)

Those who contributed to the discussion on whether we are living in a
simulation may be interested in the following paper. Unfortunately it is
not available on the WWW:

The Planetarium Hypothesis: A Resolution of the Fermi Paradox

Stephen Baxter

c/o The British Interplanetary Society,
27/29 South Lambeth Road,
London, SW8 1SZ,
England

Email:

Abstract:
A possible resolution to the Fermi Paradox is that we are living in an
artificial universe, perhaps a form of virtual reality 'planetarium',
designed to give us the illusion that the universe is empty.
Quantum-physical and thermodynamic considerations inform estimates of
the energy required to generate such simulations of varying sizes and
quality. The perfect simulation of a world containing our present
civilisation is within the scope of a Type K3 extraterrestrial culture.
However the containment of a coherent human culture spanning ~100 light
years within a perfect simulation would exceed the capacities of any
conceivable virtual reality generator.

Long life,

Simon

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